Water-sport boarding apparatus

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment of the invention, a water-sport boarding apparatus is provided, comprising an elongated hoard including: a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer edge, wherein a first end segment of the elongated board comprises a first half-circle portion of the outer edge, a second end segment of the elongated board comprises a second half-circle portion of the outer edge, a middle segment of the elongated board unifies the first end segment with the second end segment, the middle segment comprises two substantially linear portions of the outer edge, the top surface is substantially flat, the bottom surface under the middle segment is convex along the width of the elongated board, and the bottom surface comprises a plurality of elongated ridges disposed parallel to a length of the elongated board, the elongated ridges forming a water channel on the bottom surface along the length of the elongated hoard.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to boarding apparatuses, and more particularly, a water-sport boarding apparatuses configured to glide on shallow water.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Skim boarding is becoming an ever popular and mainstream sport activity around the world, especially with those who frequent the beach. Specifically, skim boarding is a board sport in which a person uses a board called a skimboard to skim, or glide, over the surface of shallow water. Typically, a skimboard rider runs along or before a shallow body of water, drops the board onto the surface of the shallow body of water, and then jumps onto the board, thereby using the rider's running momentum to glide across the surface of the water. Common locations for such shallow bodies of water include the beach (e.g., the wash from the waves that come ashore), lake shores, rivers, and locations known to have puddles (e.g., a golf course after a rainstorm). As an alternative to shallow bodies of water, in some cases the skimboard can even glide over wet grass.

In general, skimboards closely resemble a small surfboard, and are often constructed from many of the same materials. The diagrams provided in FIGS. 1 and 2 (prior art) illustrate two of the most common shapes (10 and 20) given to modern skimboards. As illustrated, the shape of both boards 10 and 20 is a football shape. Another common shape for skimboards is the oval. Though not illustrated, the bottom surface of modern skimboards are smooth like surfboards and lack any form guidance feature, like a fin.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to various embodiments of the invention, boarding apparatuses are provided, some of which are specifically configured to glide across the surface of shallow bodies of water.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a water-sport boarding apparatus is provided, comprising: an elongated board including: a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer edge, wherein a first end segment of the elongated board comprises a first half-circle portion of the outer edge, a second end segment of the elongated board comprises a second half-circle portion of the outer edge, a middle segment of the elongated board unifies the first end segment with the second end segment, the middle segment comprising two substantially linear portions of the outer edge, the top surface is substantially flat, the bottom surface under the middle segment is convex along the width of the elongated board, and the bottom surface comprises a plurality of elongated ridges disposed parallel to a length of the elongated hoard, the elongated ridges forming a water channel on the bottom surface along the length of the elongated board.

In particular embodiments, the water channel is a concave depression on the bottom surface. Depending on the embodiment, water channel may assist in the control, direction, and life of the elongated board.

In some embodiments, the top surface, the bottom surface, or both, are curved upward at the first and second end segments. In some such embodiments, the upward curvature of the top surface may assist in control of the water-sport hoard apparatus. In other such embodiments, the upward curvature of the bottom surface may assist in the lift and glide capabilities of the water-sport board apparatus. For example, the top surface, the bottom surface at the first and second end segments, the bottom surface at the first and second end segments, or both may be curved upward by 2-3 degrees.

In other embodiments, the elongated board has a width-to-length ratio of 8 to 21. To assist the rider in control of the board, in additional embodiments, the top surface comprises a grip surface (e.g., rubber pads). In further embodiments, the water-sport board apparatus further comprises a tow rope attachment; to which a rider may attach a tow rope/cable for easier retrieval of the board.

With respect to construction, in some embodiments, the elongated board further comprises a wood core, a foam core, honeycomb core, or polymer composite core. In other embodiments, the elongated board further comprises an exterior coated with an epoxy resin. In additional embodiments, the elongated board further comprises a fiberglass shell, a carbon shell, or a synthetic fiber shell (e.g., Kevlar®). In further embodiments, the bottom surface may be made of fiber-glass or a polymer composite.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various embodiments of the invention from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as “top,” “bottom” or “side” views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the invention be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

FIG. 1 (prior art) diagram of an example shape of a traditional skimboard.

FIG. 2 (prior art) is a diagram of an example shape of a traditional skimboard.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of convex ridges.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a profile view of the side of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of convex ridges.

FIG. 7 is a profile view of the end of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a water channel.

FIG. 9 is a profile view of the end of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a wide water channel.

FIG. 10 is a profile view of the end of an example water-sport board according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a narrow water channel.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a boarding apparatus utilized in sport activities. Certain embodiments of the present invention are specifically configured to allow a rider to glide, or skim, the surface a body of water and, more specifically, the surface of a shallow body of water.

It should be noted that the description of specific apparatuses as provided below are only examples, and that various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. General principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an example water-sport board 30 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention and, more specifically, the top surface 33 of water-sport board 30. As illustrated, the board 30 comprises two end sections 34 forming the half-circle portions of the board's outer edge 31, and the middle section 35 unifying the two end sections 34 and forming the linear portions of the board's outer edge 31. The half circle edge of the end portions 34 includes a radius X equal to half the width 2X of the board 30. Depending on the embodiment, the top surface 33 may be relatively flat. Embodiments may optionally be configured with surface features (e.g., rubber pads) that provide increased grip (not shown).

FIG. 4 provides a bottom view of water-sport board 30, depicting the bottom surface 43 of water-sport board 30. Also depicted is a plurality of elongated ridges 46 disposed length-wise on the bottom surface 43. In some embodiments, these elongated ridges assist in channeling or jetting the water under the board 30, thereby creating lift and keeping the board 30 straight during use. Depending on the embodiment, the bottom surface 43 may be convex in shape to further assist in channeling water under the board 30.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of example water-sport board 30 specifically comprising a top layer 53 and bottom layer 56. In some embodiments, the top layer 53 is made of wood, and the bottom layer 56 is made of fiber. Depending on the embodiments, the exterior of the board 30 may comprise a fiberglass shell, a carbon shell, or a synthetic fiber shell (e.g., Kevlar®). Other embodiments may have a wood or fiberglass core and an epoxy resin on the exterior.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a side profile view of board 30 and an end profile view of the board 30 is depicted, respectively. Illustrated in FIG. 6 are the two end points 63 having a Y degree rise with reference to the horizontal plane of the board Z. In some embodiments, the rise is between 2-3 degrees, which can assist in the lift and control of the board 30.

FIG. 7 provides an end profile view of the board 30. The illustrated embodiment shows the convex shape of surface 56, and the convex shape of the elongated ridges 46. As stated, both the convex bottom surface, and convex elongated ridges may assist in the board's control and direction.

Turning now to FIG. 8, provided is a bottom view of water-sport board 80 having an alternative bottom surface 85 to that of FIG. 4. Specifically, board 80 comprises two sharp ridges 86 that form a water channel 89 on the bottom surface 85 of board. As noted earlier, a water channel on the bottom surface enables water to pass under the board 80, thereby providing lift for the board and control for the rider. For this particular embodiment, the water channel (arrow 89) depicted is a depression in the bottom surface 85 of the board, and is concave in nature. FIGS. 9 and 10 provide examples of such a concave depression.

FIGS. 9 and 10 provide a profile views of the end of two example boards in accordance with embodiments of the invention. FIG. 9 illustrates a board 81 having a top surface 83 and a bottom surface 90, the bottom surface comprising two sharp ridges 87 spaced apart such that they form a wide water channel 94. Similarly, FIG. 10 illustrates a board 82 having a top surface 84 and a bottom surface 91, the bottom surface comprising two sharp ridges 92 spaced apart such that they form a narrow water channel 96.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration. 

1. A water-sport boarding apparatus, comprising: an elongated board comprising: a top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer edge, wherein a first end segment of the elongated board comprises a first half-circle portion of the outer edge, wherein a second end segment of the elongated board comprises a second half-circle portion of the outer edge, wherein a middle segment of the elongated board unifies the first end segment with the second end segment, wherein the middle segment comprises two substantially linear portions of the outer edge, the top surface is substantially flat, wherein the bottom surface under the middle segment is convex along a width of the elongated board, and wherein the bottom surface comprises a plurality of elongated ridges disposed parallel to a length of the elongated board, the elongated ridges forming a water channel on the bottom surface along the length of the elongated board.
 2. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the water channel is a concave depression on the bottom surface.
 3. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer edges are rounded.
 4. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top surface at the first end segment and the second end segment is curved upward.
 5. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 4, wherein the top surface at the first end segment and the second end segment is curved upward between 2-3 degrees.
 6. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface at the first end segment and the second end segment is curved upward.
 7. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 6, wherein the bottom surface at the first end segment and the second end segment is curved upward between 2-3 degrees.
 8. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, where the elongated board has a width-to-length ratio of about 8 to
 21. 9. The water-sport hoarding apparatus of claim 1, where the top surface comprises a grip surface.
 10. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tow rope attachment.
 11. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated board further comprises a wood core, a foam core, honeycomb core, or polymer composite core.
 12. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated board further comprises an exterior coated with an epoxy resin.
 13. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated board further comprises a fiberglass shell, a carbon shell, or a synthetic fiber shell.
 14. The water-sport boarding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface is made of fiber-glass or a polymer composite. 